Premier League: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Action
This past set of top-flight action provided a wealth of intrigue, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. Ranging from duels between bosses to individual brilliance, let's delve into the major points stemming from the matches.
The Chelsea Boss Stands Firm Against Pep Guardiola
Calum McFarlane's surprise duel with the Manchester City boss brought back memories of past unequal sideline contests. In the case of the Chelsea boss, making his senior maiden game, the task was ending Chelsea's astonishingly bad sequence versus the champions. An injury-time goal from the Argentine midfielder snatched a valuable result, an achievement previous incumbents had found it tough to do.
2. Liverpool's Inability to Close Games Out
Even with their big-money signing getting the net, Arne Slot's team were left frustrated after surrendering a winning position slip at the Cottagers. The concern of not managing to control encounters when in front persists, with the squad almost squandering similar leads in previous outings. Until they master the knack of seeing out a game, the season is likely to stay a challenging affair.
3. Rice Backs Viktor Gyökeres to Start Scoring
Viktor Gyökeres is experiencing a significant goal drought from general play, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin has stressed the forward is nevertheless immensely valuable. He pointed to Gyökeres' work off the ball and team-oriented contributions as integral to Arsenal's success. "Success are going to arrive," was Rice's confident prediction for his off-colour teammate.
4. Amorim Must Get The Slovenian to Sharpen Up
Given Ruben Amorim's team lining up in a notably conservative way, the burden fell on the attacking duo to make the difference. Whereas Matheus Cunha persisted with his fine form, the summer signing experienced another difficult afternoon. He has scored hard to come by since his big-money transfer and missed a late opportunity to win the game. January presents a obvious requirement for Sesko to regain his scoring touch.
5. Le Fée Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a State of Confusion
The Sunderland manager used his creative talent in a more defensive role to start, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the contest progressed. The move proved a masterstroke, with the playmaker becoming the chief creator of Sunderland's comeback for an equaliser. Following directing the woodwork, Le Fée provided a sumptuous pass for the crucial strike. Having fully adapted to the demands of the top flight, his influence is on the rise.
Nuno EspĂrito Santo Fails to Take Chance to Use Pablo
During an embarrassing defeat for the London club, manager Nuno EspĂrito Santo opted against introduce any of his permitted bench players. This meant new signing Pablo Felipe, who watched on despite his side's complete ineffectiveness. He suggested it would have been "unjust" to introduce the recently-arrived player into the fray. Yet, with firepower at a shortage, the imperative to integrate the youngster as soon as possible is glaringly clear.
Lewis Miley Makes A Further Huge Statement
Lewis Miley delivered a further outstanding performance whilst playing in an unfamiliar role. The youngster was excellent in his defensive duties, set up the opening goal, and raised the tone in a scrappy affair. Now that specialist right-backs available, the dilemma for boss Eddie Howe is whether to include the astonishingly composed youngster in his preferred engine room position. "Next Magpies teams will surely be constructed around him," seems an ever more fair statement.
Could the New Manager Bounce Fading at The City Ground?
Sean Dyche's early impact at the club was admirable, but doubts are beginning to arise about the team's adaptability. The team's counter-attacking prowess remains, but appears reduced without previous players. Whilst structured when defending deep, Forest have been exposed when required to chase a game. Giving the ball away in such circumstances has proven costly, a problem they have to address immediately.
9. Thiago's Scoring Form Stops The Bees' Poor Road Form
Thomas Frank's team delivered a performance that masked their poor travel sickness. Vital to their dominant victory was the in-form form of number nine the goal-getter. His goals are giving a foundation for the squad to build on. Attacker he even mentioned the lofty aspiration of continental football as a potential outcome, highlighting the renewed belief in the squad.